Thai Silk Fashion Modernized for Contemporary Wear as Heritage Garments Considered for UNESCO Recognition

Key summary

Dr. Anucha Teerakanon of the Thai Arts and Crafts Promotion Institute and Vogue Thailand Editor-in-Chief Kulwit Laosuksri discussed with CNN's Will Ripley at CNN Global Perspectives: In Bangkok how traditional Thai silk is being adapted for modern fashion. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, who attended the event, highlighted efforts to make Thai silk relevant beyond ceremonial occasions, noting that eight historical Thai dress styles serve as a foundation for contemporary design. The conversation covered the history of the eight-look Thai dress developed in 1960 by Queen Sirikit for international travel, collaborations with French designer Pierre Balmain and house Lesage, and current initiatives to support weavers and artisans by encouraging younger generations to use natural dyes and traditional techniques. The panel also addressed the multi-year push to register Thai silk clothing as intangible cultural heritage with UNESCO.